The Horsewoman's Prayer.....author unknown

Dearest God in Heaven,
Give me the strength to guide my horse, make my hands soft and my head clear. Let my horse understand me and I him.

My heart you have blessed with a special love of these animals- let me never lose sight of it. My soul you have gifted with a deep need for them, let that need never lessen. Always let my breath catch as the sun gleams on an elegant head. Always may my throat tighten at the sound of a gentle nicker.

Let the scent of fresh hay and a new bag of grain always be sweet to me.
Let the warm touch of a soft nose on my hand always bring a smile.
I adore the joy of a warm day on the farm. The grace and splendor of a running horse, the thunder of it's hooves, makes my eyes burn and my heart soar, let it always be so.

Dearest God,
Grant me patience, for horses are harnessed wind and wind can be flighty.
Let me not frighten or harm then, instead show me ways to understand them. When I pass from this world, send my soul to no Heaven without them, for this love you have given me graces my existence and I shall cherish it, and praise You for it, for all time.
Amen

By: Buckaroo Leather Products

Wisconsin Equine Clinic - Oconomowoc, WI

Well as promised, a few images of the clinic, which Dr. Jane Jardin DVM was kind enough to give us a tour of when we were there on Oct 13, 2011.

This is a very sedated Kit with Vet assistant (I'm sorry I don't know her name but she was wonderful), this area is a large open room with ultra sound imaging equipment, computer, and treatment equipment of various sorts. 

You can see the surgical room and the pre & post op padded room on the left upper corner.   The sled (that long grey thing low to the floor) is mounted on "railroad" type tracks and slides into surgery from a large and completely padded room, where the horse is sedated and also where they "come around".  When in the room the sled is completely level with the floor to prevent injury. 

Dr. Jane Jardin, DVM shows us the surgery and explains how she equipment is used. Note the black hoses, hanging from the ceiling in the upper photo, these are for respiration during surgery. 

Clear hoses on the left back wall are various sizes to fit various trachea, again for respiration, the black hose attaches to the clear hose once in place. Equipment for various surgeries and to monitor the patients while surgery is being performed. I did not get a shot of it, but the ceiling was a collection of pulleys and ropes to hold and move large sedated legs into place.  

Recovery stalls...large and roomy. 

Intensive care stalls, monitored 24x7 with a nurses station type desk directly across the isle. Dr. Jardin explained that often the patients being monitored are foals. The open grill work allow for safety and full view of the patient.  

Arena between the surgical - health side of the clinic and the reproductive wing. 

This arena is used to do gait analysis among other things.  

Reproductive wing, stalls...to my right is the laboratory, to my left is the conception area for artificial insemination. 

The conception area...Baby making!  This unit holds the mare for IE transfer.  

The laboratory where the magic happens, those containers in the rear on the floor, are freezers where semen is held. Some semen is over 20 year old, and still awaiting the right mare, to bring an off spring from a stud who has passed on physically, but still has genes to pass on.  

This was really amazing, this is a lead lined room for the MRI process.  That blue U-shaped thing, is the MRI, it can be rotated (as it is here) to image a leg of a sedated horse, laying on its side, or turned to semi-surround a standing leg.  The most critical aspect of the MRI is that the horse can NOT move.
With this caliber of technology it explains why some tests cost so much. It really impressed me that this clinic was willing to invest in the technology to find answers to many equine health questions. 

Thank you Dr. Jane Jardin, DVM for you time and enthusiasm in showing us the clinic. 

Also for yours and Dr. Langer, DVM, and the professional insight and attention you gave to Kit.  

Wisconsin Equine Clinic & Hospital

Oconomowoc, WI 

A Special Afternoon with Kit

Went to the barn to video tape some bodywork steps for teaching aides.  Well, camera problems were numerous, as was the mud, but the afternoon was beautiful for the first week of January. Temps hit the 40's and sunshine abounded.

Never did get any good video, and we had 6 horses volunteering.  The horses were great, it was the equipment that failed us.  So this will be a first, a photo free blog...but I just had to share a couple of things.

First, I thought I'd use a lighter colored horse this time, as the sorrels don't show my hand placement as well. So I rounded up, I mean I asked for a volunteer, and 2 literally stepped forward.  I took Mandy, an older gelding the color of sand.  He did just great, giving tremendous releases, and cooperating all the way.

Now the funny part.  I'm flexing his neck, when I sense another horse coming up behind me, and it turns out to be Opie.  Opie was my video "star" last weekend.  First Opie, gives Mandy a nice nose sniff and rub hello...walking right in front of the cameraman.  I stop and move him away...beginning again.

We are filming and making good progress, when who should come behind me again!  Well this time, he looks over my shoulder, sees me flexing and releasing his friend, and then proceeds to take my sweatshirt hood in his teeth and tries to pull me away!

I really think Opie  wanted to be the demo horse again!

The second big event of the day was KIT.  As I left the small paddock we were trying to film in, who should I see standing across the enclosure, his eyes riveted on ME.  As I entered with his herd mate, he nickered soft and low...again at me.  I turned Mandy loose and as he walked over to Kit, I saw Kit inspect and sniff his neck...the area I was working.  Once he finished he turned and walked over to me as if to say...you're my person, what are you doing with that other horse?

So I reassured him that I was in fact his person, and we headed to the small turn out to be alone, brush in hand.  I got his coat "sort of" brushed off, well, at least the first layer of dirt! Then I began to do bodywork on him.

You have to understand the significance here, I have not been able to do most of the techniques on Kit, as they are too much for him, with the broken shoulder.  I've been working within strict limitations and have had to find new and inventive, which has been an amazing learning experience, but I still wished to do more for him.

I began with lateral cervical flexion, working slowly and gently, vertebra by vertebra.  He released a great deal of tension and at times I could actually feel the muscles jump and release under my fingertips.  The side of the injury was much more difficult for him, with huge releases, but only after dramatic head swinging and walking.

The work progressed with pressure point releases throughout his body, massage to his back, and lumbar spine.  He allowed all 4 legs to be worked and massaged...a FIRST. He even permitted me to raise, massage and place his left front, this is the support leg, since the right shoulder was broken last spring.  This was huge for him and for me it was a testament of his trust and his healing.  I was overjoyed.

Over an hour later, with the sun and temperatures setting, we agreed we were done.  He'd had a full bodywork and tremendous release throughout his body.  His releases ranged from licking & chewing, yawning, shaking, and stomping his legs involuntary.  When I moved him back to the herd, he barely walked through the gate, standing..."in the zone"...gave a big out breath followed by a huge full body shake.  I knew he felt good...and so did I!

He then followed me to the gate to say good-bye...what a great evening for us both!

Jan 1, 2011

Headed to the barn for the start of 2012.  Checking on Kit and worming today. As I drove up, here he was with his buddy (near twin) Oakley, both butts to the wind...matched set.

Kit is on the left.  But as soon as he saw it was me...this was my next shot. 

Hi ya, Moms!  

What a great feeling to know he knows me and wants to be with me.  

I took apples slices and carrots along, but not this guy, he just does not eat them.  No worries the other members of his herd (totally 5) were all happy to step up and eat what he would not touch. 

"Hey Kit...ah, buddy...you gonna eat that?" 

Not a scrap was left.  Happy horses abounded.  

Good progress yesterday shooting video instructions. But then hubby, Skip got a bit of me working on Kit. Got a good poll & pressure point release of the shoulder...he still has trouble with this, due to the shoulder injury...yes the restriction of the injury does manifest in his poll and neck.  He tends to push the "work" from the shoulder into his neck and opposite shoulder.  When he gets trimmed by the farrier, he pushes his entire front weight into his head and neck...which he rests on my shoulder.  Happy to help buddy...but really glad the farrier is quick. 

Well the time to leave came quickly, as I could not feel my fingers, but Kit was ok with the short visit...not too thrilled with the wormer...said it tasted funny, and stuck to the roof of his mouth.  Had to get a big ol drink of water to get it down...and go eat some hay to kill the taste. 

 Bye Kit!

  Uh, yeah, bye bye Moms! 

Cold Day with Kit

 

Took a little video on a day so cold, the camera batteries kept dying!  Got a couple of still shots from what we shot.  Temp. 16 degrees without wind chill, I think more like 6 with it! 

Working with Kit to lift his legs for the farrier.  Still has concern that it will hurt, so we go slow, and I always let him put it down when he asks.  So far so good! 

Got just enough video to show some students how to check legs.  Kit however, was not the star, had to borrow another horse from the barn for the video.  But any time with Kit is good time for me.  

And I hope for him!  

Balance for the Horse Clinic - Juneau, WI

The day dawned bright and frigid as students arrive for "Balance for the Horse" clinic in Juneau, WI

Students came ready to learn how to read the interaction with horses in a new way, the how & why of  acupressure meridians & points, massage, & bodywork techniques.  Detailed in hand exercises to strengthen the hind quarter and stifle were just one of the hand-outs taken home for practice! 

We had a wonderful group of 11 hearty souls endured the coldest day yet this year!  We laughed, we learned, we froze a little, but we had a great day! Thank you to P.J.s Cafe in Juneau, WI for a warm and hearty lunch venue! Thank you Sue, participant #11, for taking the class photo!

Nakota, our equine student in the photo, is a rescue, recently placed in his new home. He was a little worried when he first arrived at the clinic, but once we go to work, he was glad he came!! Another rescue, recently adopted Indy, a 4 year old thoroughbred, was also happy his owner brought him, and learned new techniques for working with him.

Many thanks J & K Stables, Juneau, WI, Owner Katie K., daughter Jessica & staff, for all their hard work, preparing a wonderful site for the class. The indoor with stalls on either end gave us plenty of room to do demonstrations and work on horses individually.

Happy horse owner, Erin, brought her mare Holly, to practice the techniques on. Erin said, she'd only had her mare since the spring, when she was adopted from a former breeding facility where she served as a receiving mare.

The time in the stall working on her opened up a whole new side of her that she had never seen.  As techniques were practice, and Holly would relax, she would slip over to Erin and tuck her head under her arm before releasing.  This was a new dimension to this little mare that Erin had not yet seen, and the beginning of a new and wonderful relationship for them both.

Several sensitive spots were identified on Holly, and Erin now has skills to use, to help her release the tension.  Bringing balance and freedom of movement to her horse.

What students had to say about the class:

What I liked best about the training...." That the class size was small so we were able to do a lot of hands on." Erin W. Ripon, WI

"She (Tami) was a very good at communicating with both people & horses. It's a whole new way of "seeing" your horse!" Claudia S. Portage, WI

"This class with Tami, enables horse lovers to truly become partners with their horses, not just a horse owner." Sue S. Oxford, WI 

  

Turn Out Successes

Great news on turn-out success.  Kit has greatly reduced all swelling on the shoulder. Started him on Arnica Montana in addition to the Vaxamine EQ, which I'm sure are both helping.  However, I still believe movement has been key.  There is less mud, which was causing suction on the leg, in this turn-out. It is also smaller to decrease the temptation to buck it up!  

Note the dirt pattern!  

After the first night out, he was laying on the right side (the injured side), pressing his shoulder into the soft, cold ground!  I'm sure instinct was applying an ice pack!  His movement is much better and he is actually very playful. 

Took a new muck bucket (bright orange) (a gift from an awesome client...thank you Kristen!) to use for his water, it holds 14 gallons, but before I got 4 gallons into it...the games were on!  That rope handle was just too interesting, and "gee Mom, look at me, if I pull on this, I can shake, shake, shake, it and make the water fly!"  Oh what fun he had!  He was so persistent, I had to cut one handle off, just keep him from dumping it.  

I'd call his name as he played, he's stop and look at me, I'd tell him to quit, and I swear with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, he'd reply with a, "But it's fun!!!"  and back at it!  It was good to see. Could not help laughing! 

Visual of the dramatic improvement from the front. Notice the stance, both feet on the ground, he is weighting it.  

Also worth noting check out the difference in muscle development along the Femur, (the bone between the knee and shoulder), that left leg has been literally pumping iron.  As we heal, plans are to begin therapeutic exercises, along with bodywork, to bring his body back into balance.  

Current modalities being used in recovery, are acupressure, massage, and Reiki.  Some very light bodywork techniques, but bodywork it not really practical or needed at this point, that will come later. 

Happy boy, enjoying grain, and supplements.  He also gets Cosequin ASU, a joint supplement recommended by his veterinarian.  According to the vet, the extra ingredients in Cosequin ASU, is avocado/soybean extracts that are reported to prevent the formation of arthritis!  It does appear to help, he is on double dosage (2-scoops) for the first 2 months of treatment, and will go to 1 scoop/normal dose, beginning in January.  I'll keep you posted on progress with this product, and comparison to the past x-rays, which did show arthritis beginning to form at the injury.  

Cosequin ASU combines the proprietary formula of Cosequin with ASU (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables) and MSM for more powerful joint support for horses. Each 2 scoop of Cosequin ASU serving contains 14,400 mg glucosamine hydrochloride and 2400 mg low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate, plus 2100 mg ASU and 10,000 mg MSM.